System and method for creating a wireless picocell

ABSTRACT

A system and method are provided for creating a picocell service alternate to a wireless network service. The method comprises: detecting a multiple access (MA) wireless communications network, such as a terrestrial or satellite network; and, generating a first picocell in a response to detecting the MA wireless network. Typically, the method comprises receiving requests for picocell service from mobile stations, in response to generating the first picocell. In one aspect, the service requests made by the mobile stations are denied. In another aspect, the method further comprises: establishing a first picocell MSC; and, providing network services to mobile stations via the first picocell, in response to the requests for picocell service. For example, the first picocell MSC may provide the same network services that are provided by a conventional terrestrial network, for example. Alternately, the method establishes an alternative wireless network (a second picocell) to provide services.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to wireless communications and, moreparticularly, to a system and method for creating a picocell as analternative to a multiple access wireless network service.

2. Description of the Related Art

Air travel has become an integral part of our lives. Today, airplanesseem to be the last remaining island where mobile communications andInternet access are not always available. Market surveys of in-flightnetwork providers show the desirability of high-data rate communicationservices for airliners, with an obvious trend towards in-flightentertainment (IFE), Internet applications, and personal communications.

Further, people are becoming more accustomed to their own personalizedequipment, such as mobile phones, laptops, or PDAs, all accommodatedwith their own personal environment. Future airliners will provide avariety of entertainment and communications equipment to the passengerto make the journey more pleasant through in-flight entertainment, moreproductive through business communication facilities, and more securethrough tele-medicine and surveillance facilities on board.

In addition, a plane full of “captive” travelers may be quite alluringto advertisers, especially since the Web pages that passengers see canbe tailored to their destination, be it a trade show, tourist site, oreven just a city that wishes to publicize its amenities.

Thus, thinking of future mobile communication from a user acceptancepoint of view, there is a clear demand for a wireless access solutionfor multimedia and personal communication services through the user'sown equipment.

The use of conventional cellular and PCS phones are prohibited incommercial aircraft, while the aircraft is in the air. Allowing anaircraft-borne phone to communicate with terrestrial cells is notdesirable, as the phones must transmit at a relatively high power with acommunicating terrestrial cell, and may interfere with other, adjoiningcells on the ground.

As noted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,653, Persson et al., a typical cellulartelephone system divides a geographical area into several smaller,contiguous radio coverage areas called “cells.” The cells are served bya series of fixed radio stations called base stations. The base stationsare connected to, and controlled by a mobile services switching center(MSC). The MSC, in turn, is connected to the landline public switchedtelephone network (PSTN). The telephone users (mobile subscribers) inthe cellular radio system are provided with portable (hand-held),transportable (hand-carried) or mobile (car-mounted) telephone units(mobile stations) that communicate voice and/or data with the MSCthrough a nearby base station. The MSC switches calls between and amonglandline and mobile subscribers, controls signaling to the mobilestations, compiles billing statistics, and provides for the operation,maintenance, and testing of the system.

The base stations are located at the center of the cells and areequipped with omni-directional antennas transmitting equally in alldirections. In some circumstances, a base station may be located nearthe periphery of a cell, or it may illuminate the cells with directionalradio signals directionally. Each of the base stations is connected byvoice and data links to a mobile services switching center (MSC) whichis, in turn, is connected to a central office in the public switchingtelephone network (PSTN), or a similar facility, e.g., an integratedsystem digital network (ISDN). A plurality of mobile stations may befound within the cells. Mobile subscribers may travel from one locationin a cell to another or from one cell to an adjacent or neighboringcell.

Each of the cells is allocated a set of the channels assigned to theentire cellular system by a concerned government authority, e.g., theFederal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States. Thechannels are used to support voice, data, and paging/access or controlchannels between each of the base stations and the mobile stations inits coverage area. The link between base station and mobile unit isbidirectional. Therefore, separate channels are assigned to a mobilestation and base station for transmission. When in the idle state(turned on but not in use), each of the mobile stations tunes to andthen continuously monitors the strongest control channel (generally, thecontrol channel of the cell in which the mobile station is located atthat moment) and may receive or initiate a telephone call through one ofthe base stations. When moving between cells while in the idle state,the mobile station will tune to the control channel of the strongestcell. The initial tuning to, and the change of control channel isaccomplished automatically by scanning all the control channels inoperation in the cellular system to find the strongest control channel.When a control channel with good reception quality is found, the mobilestation remains tuned to this channel until the quality deterioratesagain.

While in the idle (standby) state, each of the mobile stationscontinuously determines whether a page message addressed to it has beenreceived over the control channel. The called mobile station with thematching identification automatically transmits a page response over thecontrol channel to the base station, which forwards the page response tothe MSC. Upon receiving the page response, the MSC selects an availablevoice channel in the cell from which the page response was received,turns the selected voice channel transceiver on, and requests the basestation in that cell to order the mobile station via the control channelto tune to the selected voice channel. A through-connection isestablished once the mobile station has tuned to the selected voicechannel.

Similar control procedures exist for code division multiple access(CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA) frequency division multipleaccess (FDMA) systems such as Global System for Mobile communications(GSM), or UMTS networks, to name a few examples.

The concept of a variable cell sizes has been applied to multiple accesstelephone networks, classifying cells into a megacell, macrocell,microcell, minicell, or picocell according to the size. A picocell istypically employed to provide an in-building communication service, andprovide a communication service to a limited area such as campus,stadium, airport and shopping mall. Further, the picocell is used tocompensate for deterioration of the service quality of the macrocell,due to topographical obstacles such as a tunnel, to increase thecommunication quality in an area with a low communication quality.

The advent of spread spectrum systems such as CDMA2000, Universal MobileTelecommunications System (UMTS), and low power picocell access, offerspotential avenues to further the use of conventional wireless telephonesin aircraft. Further, potential solutions may stem from new aircraftavionics technologies inline with aircraft development.

It would be advantageous if a picocell could be formed in specialcircumstances, such as in an aircraft cabin, without interfering withconventional terrestrial multiple access telephone networkcommunications.

It would be advantageous if the above-mentioned picocell could providemobile stations, in controlled spaces or zones, with the same servicesas provided by the conventional multiple access telephone networks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Air travel has become an integral part of our lives and there is anincreased demand that air travel be made more productive and pleasantfor the passengers. Market studies for airlines and aircraft industriesshow the desirability of being able to provide high-data ratecommunications services, with an emphasis on Internet applications. Anaeronautical multimedia system would permit passengers to log on througha wireless network on the plane through their own laptop computers,personal digital assistants, or cell phones from inside an aircraft orairports. Telemedicine, tele-learning, tele-tourism, and tele-work areonly few examples of the services suitable for an aeronauticalmultimedia services.

The present invention describes a cellular microcell, picocell, ormultiple picocells that provides services to conventional commercialwireless devices. The problem being solved involves the currentlyimposed restrictions that prevent communications, inside an airplane,between cellular/PCS phones and terrestrial networks while the plane isin the air. Allowing the phone to communicate with terrestrial cells isnot desirable, as the phones must transmit at relatively high power to aterrestrial cell.

The present invention describes a system and method that permits airtravelers to use their phones, laptops, and PDAs inside airplanes. Thesystem comprises a sniffer and a spoofer. The sniffer detects andclassifies the terrestrial wireless signal(s) that can be used to serveusers inside the cabin. The information is sent to a control unit thatconfigures the spoofer to generate a spoofed control signal, strongerthan terrestrial network control signals received and detected by thesniffer. In one aspect, the spoofed signal directs the phones inside thecabin to use an alternate dedicated technology, frequency band,frequency channel, or code channel.

Accordingly, a method is provided for creating a picocell servicealternate to a wireless network service. The method comprises: detectinga multiple access (MA) wireless communications network, such as aterrestrial or satellite network; and, generating a first picocell inresponse to detecting the MA wireless network. Typically, the methodcomprises receiving requests for picocell service from mobile stations,in response to generating the first picocell. In another aspect, themethod further comprises: establishing a first picocell MSC; and,providing network services to mobile stations via the first picocell, inresponse to the requests for picocell service. For example, the firstpicocell MSC may provide the same network services that are provided bya conventional terrestrial network. Alternately, the method establishesan alternative wireless network (a second picocell). The secondpicocell, which may include an MSC and BS, generates second picocellcontrol signals. The first picocell, in response to receiving requestsfor picocell service, uses its control signals to direct the mobilestations to the second picocell control signals.

In one aspect, MA wireless network base station control signals arereceived at a first power level in the picocell. Then, generating firstpicocell control signals includes generating picocell control signalshaving a second power level in the picocell, greater than the firstpower level. The higher power level of the first picocell controlsignals insures that the mobile stations cannot detect the terrestrialbase station control signals. One of the advantages of generating thefirst picocell, is that the first picocell controls the transmit powerlevels of mobile stations in the picocell.

Additional details of the above-described method and a picocell systemalternative to a conventional MA wireless network service are providedbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a picocell system alternate to amultiple access wireless network service.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a two-picocellvariation on the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a first variation ofthe two-picocell system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a second variation ofthe two-picocell system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for creating a picocellservice alternate to a multiple access wireless network service.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a picocell system alternate to amultiple access wireless network service. The system 100 comprises afirst picocell 102. The first picocell 102 includes a sniffer 104 havingan antenna 106 and a receiver 108 to accept multiple access (MA)wireless network communications on line 110. The sniffer 104 can beprogrammed to periodically sweep predetermined frequency bands ofinterest, searching for frequency or code channels. For example, the MAwireless network can be a conventional terrestrial or satellite wirelesstelephone service. The sniffer 104 has an output on line 112 to supplydetected network classification signals. The first picocell 102 alsocomprises a spoofer 114. The spoofer 114 includes a controller 116,having an input on line 112 to accept the classification signals and anoutput on line 118 to supply a spoofed signal responsive to theclassification signals. As used herein, the word “picocell” is notintended to be associated with any particular geographic dimensions orcell size, except that it is smaller than a conventional MA wirelesstelephone cell sector.

The spoofer 114 also includes a transmitter 120 having an input on line118 to accept the spoofed signal and an output, represented by referencedesignator 122, to transmit first picocell control signals in responseto the spoofed signals. In one aspect, the spoofer 114 further includesa receiver 124 having an input, represented by reference designator 126,to accept requests for picocell service from mobile stations (MSs) 128.The requests are received in response to the transmitter 120 generatingthe first picocell control signals. Shown are MSs 128 a, 128 b, and 128n. However, the system 100 is not limited to any particular number ofMSs. The term “mobile station” as used herein is intended to encompassvarious types of communications devices including wireless telephonedevice of any protocol, personal data assistants (PDA), laptops,external or internal modems, PC cards, and other similar devices.

For example, the sniffer receiver 108 may accept MA wireless networkcontrol signals 140 received at a first power level, while the spoofertransmitter 120 generates first picocell control signals 122 at a secondreceived power level, greater than the first received power level (fromthe perspective of a mobile station 128 in the first picocell 102). Thehigher power level control signals generated by the first picocellprevent the MSs 128 for “seeing” and, therefore, responding to theterrestrial network control signals. The acquisition of cells, theestablishment of communications between base stations and MSs, and otherwireless telephone control signal details have been discussed in theBackground Section of this application, above. The spoofer transmitter120 transmits controls signals 122, and MSs 128 locate and respond tothe first picocell control signals in the same manner as if the controlsignals were being generated by a conventional MA wireless network basestation.

In one simple aspect of the system, the spoofer 114 acts as aconventional (but low-power) BS that prevents the MSs 128 fromcommunicating with the conventional MA wireless network.

For example, the first picocell can be established in a movie theater orreligious center. Then, the spoofer controller 116 can be used to denyall service requests made by mobile stations communicating (receivingcontrol signals 122) in the first picocell. This denial of serviceprevents a call from being received by a user who forgets to turn offtheir MS. Alternately, the spoofer controller 116 prevents mobilestations 128, which are communicating in the first picocell 102(receiving control signals 122), from making requests for networkservice. Thus, the system prevents a rude user from originating a callthat would be disruptive to people or electrical equipment locatednearby.

Alternately, the first picocell 102 may provide services. In thisaspect, the system 100 further comprises a first picocell mobileservices switching center (MSC) 130 having an interface on line 132connected to the spoofer 114. The first picocell MSC 130 providesnetwork services to mobile stations 128, using the spoofer 114 as a basestation, or as an access point.

For example, the sniffer receiver 108 may detect a MA wireless networkproviding a service, and the spoofer transmitter 120 generates firstpicocell control signals 122 identifying a picocell service equivalentto the network service. The first picocell 102 may permit the MSs toenjoy the same services being provided by the terrestrial MA network.The services may be telephone voice communications, email services, orhigh-data rate services that enable Internet type services. Alternatelystated, the first picocell completely mimics the terrestrial wirelessnetwork.

Assuming that the first picocell is in a commercial airplane, the firstpicocell may communicate with the MA network 134, or other MA networks(not shown) through a connection between the first picocell MSC 130 andan aircraft transceiver (not shown). The aircraft transceiver may beconnected to a conventional terrestrial or satellite network, or acustom carrier network on a “safe” channel.

Alternately, the spoofer 114 may transceive communications, representedby reference designator 136, between a MA network 134 and a mobilestation 128, via the transmitter 120 and receiver 124. In one aspect,the sniffer 104 identifies information associated with a MA network 134such as base station location, antenna height, antenna coverage, antennatype, morphology, control channel gains, traffic channel gains,frequency usage, or time slot usage. Then, the spoofer 114 scheduleshigh-burst communications between the MA network 134 and the spoofer 114responsive to the identified MA network information. For example, thehigh-burst communication may be carried out in a time slot or frequencycalculated to minimally interfere with the MA network. The high-burstcommunications may be carried out as a result of management informationdeveloped by a predictor 140. The predictor 140 may use information thatis gathered by the sniffer 104, information from predictor memory, orinformation from both sources.

In another aspect, the predictor 140 may be enabled to predict MAnetwork channel usage. The channel loading and other MA networkinformation gathered by the sniffer can be used to manage the firstpicocell resources in such a manner as to minimally interfere with theMA network. The sniffer 104 supplies the management information to thespoofer 114 in the classification signal 112.

The predictor management information can be used to select the channelsand communication medium used by the spoofer 114 to communicate with MSs128 in the first picocell 102, for example. Alternately, some or all ofthe MA network information can be pre-loaded into a memory associatedwith the predictor. The predictor 140 can use the pre-loaded data tomake decisions and generate the management information sent to thespoofer. The management information can be used to select channels thatare unused in the MA network 134, for use in the first picocell 102.Alternately, if no unused channels are available, a channel can be“shared” by both the MA network 134 and the first picocell 102. Themanagement information is used to select a shared channel that minimallyinterferes with the MA network 134.

FIG. 1 shows a single picocell 102. However, it should be understoodthat a zone may be established with a plurality of picocells. Each ofthese picocells acts as an equivalent for every terrestrial or satellitephone system that is likely to be encountered. These picocells maysimply deny service, or provide MA wireless telephone network typeservices. Alternately, some of the picocells may provide services to MSsseeking one particular service (i.e., PCS), while other picocells denyparticular services (i.e., AMPS).

The sniffer receiver 108 accepts control signals originating from a MAwireless network base station, as represented by reference designator140. The receiver 108 supplies classification signals on line 112,responsive to identifying the wireless network. The spoofer transmitter120 generates first picocell control signals 122 equivalent to the MAwireless network base station control signals 140. For example, thecontrol signal may be in the same frequency band, modulated the same,and organized in the same medium access control (MAC) format.

In one aspect, the sniffer receiver 108 scans a frequency spectrum,identifies signals in a spectrum band, identifies the signal modulation,identifies a system associated with the modulation, and measures thedetected signal power level. For example, the sniffer receiver 108 mayidentify a terrestrial cellular wireless telephone system, and identifya serving sector in the system.

One advantage resulting from the generation of the first picocell 102,is that the spoofer 114 generates first picocell control signals 122that regulate the transmit power levels of mobile stations in the firstpicocell. That is, the first picocell 102 may create a closed-loop powercontrol mechanism, where the spoofer 114 sends commands to the variousMSs 128, directing the MSs to communicate at prescribed transmit powerlevels. Since the picocell is relatively small, the transmit powerlevels are low, and a minimum of interference is generated, from thepoint of view of adjacent networks and proximate electrical equipment.Some details of conventional closed-loop power control have beenprovided in the Background Section of this application.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a two-picocellvariation on the system of FIG. 1. The system 100 further comprises asecond picocell 200. The second picocell 200 includes an access point(AP) 202, or base station, for supplying wireless network controlsignals, represented by reference designator 204. In this variation, thespoofer transmitter 120 generates control signals 122 directing themobile stations 128 to the second picocell access point control signals204. Typically, the second picocell 200 includes an MSC 206, which mayalso be called a server or controller, connected to the access point 202on line 208, for supplying network services. For example, the servicesmay be telephone voice communications, email services, or higher datarate services that enable Internet type services, as represented byreference designator 210.

In one example, the second picocell is a conventional wireless telephonenetwork, except that the access point (base station) 202 transmits atrelatively low power levels. Typically, the second picocell 200 isestablished so that the MSs 128 can operate in a safe medium (frequency,time slot, code), for example a band of frequencies that will notinterfere with terrestrial cells.

Generally then, the sniffer receiver 108 accepts control signals 140originating from a MA wireless network base station transmitting in afirst communication medium. The communication media can be frequencyspan, channel (frequency, time slot, code), wireless telephone protocol(CDMA as opposed to GSM), or technology (Bluetooth as opposed to awireless telephone protocol), to name a few examples. To illustrate onesimple example, the first communication medium is assumed to be a firstspan of frequencies, in larger frequency band. In this aspect, thespoofer transmitter 120 generates first picocell control signals 122 inthe first medium, directing mobile stations to control signals 204 beingbroadcast in an alternate communication medium. The second picocellaccess point 202 transmits second picocell control signals in thealternative communication medium. To finish the example, the secondcommunication medium can be a second span of frequencies in the samefrequency band, or in a different frequency band.

Thus, the second picocell access point 202 generates control signals 204in an alternate communication medium, which is not the firstcommunication medium, such as an alternate frequency, an alternate timeslot, an alternate channel, an alternate spreading code, and alternatefrequency band, or an alternate wireless telephone protocol, for exampleCDMA instead of GSM. In other aspects, the alternate communicationmedium can be an alternate technology, such as IEEE 802.11, as opposedto a wireless telephone protocol. The alternate communication mediumselected may be deemed less detrimental to adjacent terrestrial networksor proximate electrical equipment.

In one aspect, the AP 202 may transceive communications, represented byreference designator 136, between a MA network 134 and a mobile station128. In one aspect, the sniffer 104 or AP 202 identifies informationassociated with a MA network 134, so that the AP can schedule high-burstcommunications with the MA network 134. For example, the high-burstcommunication may be carried out to minimally interfere with the MAnetwork 134.

Alternately not shown, the second picocell 200 is not used and the firstpicocell 102 provides the control signals that spoof the MA network 134,as well as the control signals and traffic channels required to supportcommunications in the alternate communication medium. For example, thespoofer transmitter 120 and receiver 122 may be able to supportcommunications in a plurality of communication media. The secondpicocell 200, used to supply the alternate communication medium, isshown for emphasis, to clarify that communications are occurring in twodifferent media.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a first variation ofthe two-picocell system of FIG. 2. As an alternative to the system ofFIG. 2, a plurality of piconets is established within the secondpicocell 200. For example, some of the MSs 128 may act as masters, andother MSs as slaves. As shown, MS 128 a acts as the master of piconet220, where MSs 128 b and 128 n are slaves. MS 128 a is a slave inpiconet 222, where the AP 202 is the master. If the master MSs act asrelays to the AP 202, this arrangement advantageous keeps thetransmitted power levels low.

A piconet may be established as a result of a mobile station (terminal)128 being unable to find a pilot signal of sufficient signal strength tosupport the minimum data rate. This may result from any number ofreasons. By way of example, the MSs 128 b and 128 n may be too far fromthe AP 206. Alternatively, the propagation environment may beinsufficient to support the requisite data rate. In either case, the MSs128 b and 128 n may be unable to join the existing piconet 222, andtherefore, MS 128 a must operate as master, transmitting its own pilotsignal. MSs 128 b and 128 n are able to receive the pilot signalbroadcast from MS 128 a with sufficient strength and join the piconet220. The establishment of piconet 220 enables communications between MSs128 b and 128 n, and the AP 206.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a second variation ofthe two-picocell system of FIG. 2. Multiple radio units may be linkedtogether in a wireline network, and deployed at fixed locations in thearea served by the second picocell, serving as network access points.Shown are APs 202 a, 202 b, and 202 n. But the invention is not limitedto any particular number of APs. The access points 202 a, 202 b, and 202n are the masters, forming piconets 230 a, 230 b, and 230 n,respectively. The mobile stations 128 are slaves of the access points towhich they connect. Each access point defines an independent piconet. Acentral server 206, also referred to herein as an MSC, typically managesthe access points 202, while taking care of upper-level protocolfunctions, such as authentication and Internet Protocol (IP) routing.

When the MSs are directed by the first picocell control signals 122, tosearch for second picocell control signals, the MSs 128 may search forpilot signals from piconet masters. The pilot signal broadcast by eachpiconet master may be an unmodulated spread-spectrum signal, or someother reference signal. In spread-spectrum configurations, apsuedo-random noise (PN) code unique to each piconet master may be usedto spread the pilot signal. Using a correlation process, the MS maysearch through possible PN codes to identify the master with thestrongest pilot signal. If the strongest pilot signal is received withsufficient signal strength to support a minimum data rate, then the MSmay attempt to join the piconet by registering with the master. Moregenerally, these piconet pilot signals may be referred to as secondpicocell control signals.

FIGS. 2 through 4 shows a single picocell 102 and a single picocell 200.However, it should be understood that a zone (i.e., an aircraft cabin)may be established with a plurality of “first” and “second” picocells.The plurality of “first” picocells may act as an equivalent for everyterrestrial or satellite phone system that is likely to be encountered,generating control signals for each encountered system. A one-to-onecorrelation may exist between “first” and “second” picocells, so that aplurality of “second” picocells provides an equivalent service for everyterrestrial/satellite network. Alternately, it is possible that several“first” picocells may direct MSs to a single “second” picocell. Asanother alternative, some “second” picocells may not exist for MSslimited to particular protocols and/or frequencies.

Functional Description

The present invention system permits air travelers to use their phones,laptops, and PDAs to communicate with an airplane high-speed multimediacommunication system. The system consists of two major components: asniffer and a spoofer.

The sniffer is a subsystem that performs the following functions:

Spectrum scanning;

Signal detection;

Modulation classification;

System identification;

Serving sectors identification; and

Signal level determination.

The output of this subsystem is a list of all wireless signals detectedinside the cabin, a list of all wireless technologies used with thesewireless services, list of frequency channels, list of all site IDs(codes and/or frequency assignments), and the power levels of all thesereceived signals.

The spoofer is a subsystem that performs the following functions:

-   -   For each technology detected, duplicating the control signals;    -   Ensuring that the picocell control signals are stronger than the        corresponding terrestrial signals;    -   Substantially confining the control signals inside the cabin, so        as to not interfere with the terrestrial wireless service; and    -   Using the spoofed control signals to direct the wireless device        inside the cabin to use an alternate technology, frequency band,        or channel.

This system can be used to prevent the usage of cellular phones inspecial places like movie theaters, churches, and hospitals. Changes inthe system parameters may result in control signals that force thein-cabin (in picocell) phones to be configured.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for creating a picocellservice alternate to a multiple access wireless network service.Although the method is depicted as a sequence of numbered steps forclarity, no order should be inferred from the numbering unlessexplicitly stated. It should be understood that some of these steps maybe skipped, performed in parallel, or performed without the requirementof maintaining a strict order of sequence. Details of the method may beunderstood in the context of FIGS. 1 through 4. The method starts atStep 300.

Step 302 detects a multiple access (MA) wireless communications network.Step 304 generates a first picocell in response to detecting the MAwireless network. For example, detecting the MA wireless network in Step302 may include: scanning a frequency spectrum; identifying signals in aspectrum band; identifying a signal modulation; identifying a systemassociated with the modulation; or, measuring the detected signal powerlevel. In another example, identifying the system associated with themodulation in Step 302 may include identifying a cellular wirelesstelephone system; and, identifying a serving sector in the cellulartelephone system.

In one aspect, detecting the MA wireless network in Step 302 includes:receiving control signals originating from a MA wireless network basestation; and, identifying the MA wireless network in response to thebase station control signals. Then, generating the first picocell inStep 304 includes generating first picocell control signals equivalentto the base station control signals.

In another aspect, detecting the MA wireless network in Step 302includes detecting a MA wireless network providing a service. Then,generating first picocell control signals in Step 304 includesgenerating picocell control signals identifying a picocell serviceequivalent to the MA wireless network service.

In one aspect, receiving control signals originating from the MAwireless network base station (Step 302) includes receiving the basestation control signals at a first power level in the picocell. Then,generating first picocell control signals (Step 304) includes generatingpicocell control signals having a second received power level in thepicocell, greater than the first received power level. In a differentaspect, Step 304 controls the transmit power levels of mobile stationsin the picocell.

In one aspect, Step 306 receives requests from mobile stations forpicocell service, in response to generating the first picocell. Inanother aspect, Step 308 denies all service requests made by mobilestations communicating in the picocell. Alternately, Step 306 generatescontrol signals that prevent mobile stations, which are communicating inthe first picocell (receiving the control signals), from making requestsfor network service.

In another aspect, Step 310 establishes a first picocell mobile servicesswitching center (MSC). Then, Step 312 provides network services tomobile stations via the first picocell MCS, in response to receivingrequests for picocell service in Step 306. In one aspect, detecting theMA network in Step 302 includes generating picocell managementinformation, responsive to MA network information such as base stationlocation, antenna height, antenna coverage, antenna type, morphology,control channel gains, traffic channel gains, frequency usage, or timeslot usage. Then, providing network services to mobile stations via thefirst picocell MCS in Step 312 includes selecting channels andcommunication media that minimally interfere with the MA network, inresponse to the management information.

In one aspect, Step 318 transceives communications between a MA networkand a mobile station, via the first picocell, using the managementinformation. The communications are chosen to minimally interfere withthe conventional operation of the MA network. For example, Step 318 maytransceive communications between the MA network and the mobile stationby scheduling high-burst communications between the MA network and thefirst picocell, responsive to the management information.

In a different aspect, Step 314 establishes a second picocell, and Step316 generates second picocell control signals. Generating the firstpicocell in Step 304 includes generating first picocell control signals.Then, Step 309, in response to receiving requests for picocell service(Step 306), uses the first picocell control signals to direct the mobilestations to the second picocell control signals.

In one aspect, receiving control signals originating from the MAwireless network base station (Step 302) includes the base stationcontrol signals being received in a first medium. Then, generating firstpicocell control signals in Step 304 includes: generating first picocellcontrol signals in the first medium; and, sending messages in the firstpicocell control signals directing mobile stations to control signalsbroadcast in an alternate medium. Step 316 generates second picocellcontrol signals in the alternative medium. The alternate medium can be amedium such as an alternate frequency, an alternate time slot, analternate channel, an alternate spreading code, and alternate frequencyband, an alternate wireless telephone protocol, or an alternatetechnology, respective to the first medium.

A system and method are provided for creating a picocell alternative toMA wireless network service. Examples have been given for applicationsof the system. Examples have also been given of particular protocols andsystem structures to illustrate the invention. However, the invention isnot limited to merely these examples. Other variations and embodimentsof the invention will occur to those skilled in the art.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for creating a communicationservice through a picocell alternate to a multiple access wirelessnetwork service, the method comprising: detecting a multiple access (MA)wireless telephone communications network; generating a first picocellin response to detecting the MA wireless network; receiving controlsignals originating from a MA wireless network base station; identifyingthe MA wireless network in response to the base station control signals;and generating first picocell control signals in the same frequency bandas the base station control signals so as to deliberately interfere withand override the base station control signals in the first picocell suchthat a mobile station in the first picocell responds to the firstpicocell control signals instead of the base station control signals. 2.The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving requests from mobilestations for communication service through the picocell, in response togenerating the first picocell control signals.
 3. The method of claim 2further comprising: establishing a first picocell mobile servicesswitching center (MSC); and providing network services to mobilestations via the first picocell MCS, in response to receiving requestsfor communication service through the picocell.
 4. The method of claim 2further comprising: establishing a second picocell; generating secondpicocell control signals; and the method further comprising; in responseto receiving requests for communication service through the picocell,using the first picocell control signals to direct the mobile stationsto the picocell control signals.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereindetecting the MA wireless network includes detecting a MA wirelessnetwork providing a service; and wherein generating first picocellcontrol signals includes generating picocell control signals identifyinga communication service through the picocell equivalent to the MAwireless network service.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein receivingcontrol signals originating from the MA wireless network base stationincludes receiving the base station control signals at a first powerlevel in the picocell; and wherein generating first picocell controlsignals includes generating picocell control signals having a secondreceived power level in the picocell, greater than the first receivedpower level.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein generating the firstpicocell control signals includes controlling the transmit power levelsof mobile stations in the picocell.
 8. The method of claim 6 whereinreceiving control signals originating from the MA wireless network basestation includes the base station control signals being received in afirst medium; wherein generating first picocell control signalsincludes: generating first picocell control signals in the first medium;sending messages in the first picocell control signals directing mobilestations to control signals broadcast in an alternate medium; and themethod further comprising: establishing a second picocell network;generating second picocell control signals in the alternative medium. 9.The method of claim 8 wherein generating second picocell control signalsin the alternate medium includes generating control signals in a mediumselected from the group including an alternate frequency, an alternatetime slot, an alternate channel, an alternate spreading code, andalternate frequency band, an alternate wireless telephone protocol, andan alternate technology, respective to the first medium.
 10. The methodof claim 1 wherein detecting the MA wireless network includes: scanningas frequency spectrum; identifying signals in a spectrum band;identifying a signal modulation; identifying a system associated withthe modulation; and measuring the detected signal power level.
 11. Themethod of claim 10 wherein identifying the system associated with themodulation includes identifying a cellular wireless telephone system;and wherein detecting the MA wireless network service further includesidentifying a serving sector in the cellular telephone system.
 12. Themethod of claim 2 further comprising: denying all service requests madeby mobile stations communicating in the picocell.
 13. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising: preventing mobile stations, which arecommunicating in the first picocell, from making requests for networkservice.
 14. The method of claim 1 wherein detecting the MA networkincludes generating picocell management information, responsive to MAnetwork information selected from the group including base stationlocation, antenna height, antenna coverage, antenna type, morphology,control channel gains, traffic channel gains, frequency usage, and timeslot usage; and, the method further comprising: transceivingcommunications between the MA network and a mobile station, via thefirst picocell, using, the management information.
 15. The method ofclaim 3 wherein detecting the MA network includes generating picocellmanagement information, responsive to MA network information selectedfrom the group including base station location, antenna height, antennacoverage, antenna type, morphology, control channel gains, trafficchannel gains, frequency usage, and time slot usage; and, whereinproviding network services to mobile stations via the first picocell MCSincludes selecting channels and communication media that minimallyinterfere with the MA network, in response to the managementinformation.
 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising transceivingcommunications between the MA wireless network and a mobile station viathe first picocell.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the MA wirelessnetwork comprises at least one of a terrestrial network or a satellitenetwork.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising schedulingcommunications between the first picocell and the MA wireless network tominimally interfere with the MA wireless network.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the detecting further comprises identifying MA networkinformation, the method further comprising predicting managementinformation for managing resources of the first picocell based at leastin part on the MA network information, wherein the scheduling is basedon the predicting.
 20. The method of claim 7, wherein controlling thetransmit power levels further comprises reducing the transmit powerlevels.
 21. The method of claim 1, wherein generating further comprisesgenerating the first picocell inside an airplane.
 22. The method ofclaim 20, further comprising transceiving communications between the MAwireless network and a mobile station via the first picocell, whereinthe MA wireless network comprises at least one of a terrestrial networkor a satellite network.
 23. The method of claim 1, wherein generatingthe first picocell inside the airplane comprises generating while theairplane is in the air.
 24. The method of claim 1, further comprisingcontrolling a first transmit power level of the mobile station incommunication with the first picocell such that the first transmit powerlevel is lower than a second transmit power level for the mobile stationto communicate with the MA wireless network.
 25. The method of claim 1,wherein generating the first picocell is based on the received basestation control signals corresponding to the strongest received MAwireless network control signals.
 26. The method of claim 1, whereingenerating the first picocell is based on the MA wireless network havinga pilot signal lacking sufficient strength to support a minimum datarate.
 27. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting further comprisesdetecting a plurality of wireless communication networks each having adifferent technology and each having respective control signals, whereinthe generating of the first picocell further comprises generating aplurality of picocells each corresponding to one of the plurality ofwireless communication network and each having respective picocellcontrol signals in the same frequency band as the respective wirelesscommunication network control signals so as to deliberately interferewith and override the respective wireless communication network controlsignals such that a mobile station operating with a respective one ofthe different technologies in the respective one of the plurality ofpicocells responds to the respective picocell instead of the respectivewireless communication network.
 28. A method for creating a picocellservice alternate to a multiple access wireless network service, themethod comprising; detecting a multiple access (MA) wireless telephonecommunications network; generating a first picocell in response todetecting the MA wireless network; and preventing mobile stations, whichare communicating in the first picocell, from making requests fornetwork service; wherein the detecting further comprises detecting MAbase station control signals; and spoofing the base station controlsignals with first picocell control signals in the same frequency bandas the base station control signals so as to deliberately interfere withand override the base station control signals in the first picocell, andcause a mobile station in the first picocell to respond to the firstpicocell control signals instead of the base station control signals.29. A method for creating a picocell service alternate to a multipleaccess wireless network service, the method comprising: detecting amultiple access (MA) wireless telephone communications network;generating a first picocell in response to detecting the MA wirelessnetwork; receiving requests from mobile stations for picocell service;denying all service requests made by mobile stations communicating inthe picocell; wherein the detecting further comprises detecting MAwireless network base station control signals; and generating firstpicocell control signals in the same frequency band as the MA wirelessnetwork base station control signals so as to deliberately interferewith and override the MA wireless network base station control signalsin the first picocell, and wherein the first picocell control signalsspoof a mobile station in the first picocell to respond to the firstpicocell control signals instead of the MA wireless network base stationcontrol signals.
 30. A method for creating a picocell service alternateto a multiple access wireless network service, the method comprising:detecting a multiple access (MA) wireless telephone communicationsnetwork; generating a first picocell in response to detecting the MAwireless network; wherein the detecting further comprises receiving MAbase station control signals at a first received power level; andgenerating picocell control signals based on the detected base stationcontrol signals, wherein the picocell control signals are in the samefrequency band as the detected base station control signals so as todeliberately interfere with and override the detected base stationcontrol signals in the first picocell, wherein the picocell controlsignals have a second received power level in the first picocell greaterthan the first received power level in the first picocell, and whereinthe picocell control signals comprise a spoof of the base stationcontrol signals that prevent a mobile station in the first picocell fromcommunicating with the MA wireless network base station.
 31. The methodof claim 30, wherein generating a first picocell includes controllingthe transmit power levels of mobile stations in the picocell to preventthe mobile stations from communicating with the MA wireless network. 32.An apparatus comprising: means for detecting a multiple access (MA)wireless telephone communications network; means for generating a firstpicocell in response to detecting the MA wireless network; means forreceiving control signals originating from a MA wireless network basestation; means for identifying the MA wireless network in response tothe base station control signals; and means for generating firstpicocell control signals in the same frequency band as the base stationcontrol signals so as to deliberately interfere with and override thebase station control signals in the first picocell such that a mobilestation in the first picocell responds to the first picocell controlsignals instead of the base station control signals.
 33. The apparatusof claim 32 further comprising: means for receiving requests from mobilestations for communication service through the picocell, in response togenerating the first picocell control signals.
 34. The apparatus ofclaim 33 further comprising: means for establishing a first picocellmobile services switching center (MSC); and means for providing networkservices to mobile stations via the first picocell MCS, in response toreceiving requests for communication service through the picocell. 35.The apparatus of claim 33 further comprising: means for establishing asecond picocell; means for generating second picocell control signals;and in response to receiving requests for communication service throughthe picocell, means for using the first picocell control signals todirect the mobile stations to the second picocell control signals. 36.An apparatus comprising: a sniffer device to detect a multiple access(MA) wireless telephone communications network, to receive controlsignals originating from a MA wireless network base station, and toidentify the MA wireless network in response to the base station controlsignals; and a spoofer device to generate first picocell control signalsin the same frequency band as the base station control signals so as todeliberately interfere with and override the base station controlsignals in the first picocell such that a mobile station in the firstpicocell responds to the first picocell control signals instead of thebase station control signals.